French Open--what they said

I grew up a little bit late. Better late than never.

Francesca Schiavone

She's definitely a difficult player to play against because she plays with a lot of spin. She plays differently. She mix up the balls a lot. Yeah, she didn't play typical women's tennis.

Caroline Wozniacki, referring to Francesca Schiavone

Am I wrong if I say that you are in semifinal without playing your best tennis?
Well, it's not about, you know, showing your best tennis. It's about winning matches. Once again, in this kind of weather conditions, you really have to, you know, push yourself very hard and, you know, stay positive, try to win no matter what. I think I had some good tennis here and there, but it was difficult.

Elena Dementieva

Obviously it's a great moment for you reaching a semifinal for the first time, but also for Italian women's tennis. What does it mean for you and for Italy?
I think is something that maybe in this moment I can't say many words. Because I am 29 years old. I do this job for life. Maybe I don't understand really what is now. But many people already told me that is something different, big, and special. So maybe in some years I will tell you how I could feel today.

Francesca Schiavone

Did you think about leaving the match?
Yeah, I had this kind of a thought as well in the third set, but it's just so difficult to quit and walk away because you just want to give it all.

Nadia Petrova, speaking of her injury

I really waited for this Grand Slam during the year, and really waiting to come to Paris and play this tournament. I think it's probably the most interesting Grand Slam to watch because it's the second in the year. And it's not like Australia. You don't know what to expect because everyone is coming from the offseason, and sometimes it's just too emotional. But here, it's all about, you know, your good preparation, you know, how fit you are and how mentally tough you can stay during the two weeks to be able to win such a difficult challenge. So I think it's the most exciting one.

Elena Dementieva

So it's not easy for her to win the points against me, because I run, I run, I run, and I push her.

Francesca Schiavone

When Elena went off to have some treatment, I think when she broke back to 3 2, first set, you were kind of just standing around in the rain there for a while. That couldn't have helped your leg, as well, I wouldn't have thought.Well, I had no choice. I asked the chair umpire if it's possible for me to just go away because I don't want to be under the rain and it is cold, but, you know, she kept me on the court.

Nadia Petrova

Your moment of triumph of was so special. Your face was filled with joy. I know it's difficult, but can you try and talk about emotion, the role of emotion and your play, your feeling at that moment?
Heart attack.
Francesca Schiavone


(Stupid question of the week: Having Maxim, being a professional athlete, does that help you be professional athlete somehow?)